A network model for surgical equipment sterilisation services involving Kempsey, Wauchope and Port Macquarie hospitals is being considered.

If implemented, the main sterilisation services in Kempsey would be moved down to Port Macquarie Base Hospital.  

The state and federal governments are funding an $80 million redevelopment of Kempsey District Hospital.

Dr Robert Pegram is the Mid North Coast Local Health District coordinator of the Hastings-Macleay Clinical Network.

He said: “As part of these major works, (Health) is undertaking a consultation process with all staff that may be impacted by this new model. 

“To reduce the duplication of infrastructure, the bulk of surgical equipment sterilising services will operate from Port Macquarie Base Hospital.

“However, it is expected that some services will remain at Kempsey District Hospital.

“The proposed network model has been successfully implemented in other clinical networks throughout the North Coast.”

Health Services Union (HSC) secretary Gerard Hayes said the decision to take services out of Kempsey would be a bad move.

“Kempsey will shed quality jobs that it can't afford to lose under this restructure,” he said. 

“We're also concerned that patient care will be compromised. 

“A slight hiccup in the transport system would leave medical staff at Kempsey without the equipment they need for critical procedures. 

“Kempsey deserves better than to be treated as Port Macquarie's satellite.”

Mr Pegram assured that staff would still be employed by the department as part of the redevelopment and that transport for patients and equipment between facilities would be well coordinated. 

He also said Health was committed to providing quality care to all patients.

"The Kempsey District Hospital redevelopment project is a significant capital project for the Macleay and will provide additional future opportunities for employment in the area,” he said. 

“Staff currently employed in Sterilising Services in Kempsey will be able to continue to work in the department or in other roles which may be available as part of the redevelopment. 

“In the case of an emergency or disruption to regular traffic routes, MNCLHD has a disaster management program to ensure essential services remain available.” 

But Mr Hayes says the HSC still casts doubt over the Department's commitment to secure jobs for Kempsey employees.